lectrophysiological examination was used in 15 cases of cubital tunnel syndrome before andduring opcration. The velocity, latency and amplitude of the conduction of the ulnar nerve 5cm aboveand below the elbew joint were measured by surface electrodes and direct stimulation. There is nosignificant difference(Pgt; 0.5 )between the results from the two kinds of testing. After the ulnarnerve was decompressed from the cubital tunnel, the conduction velocity increased by 50%, latency shortenee by 40%, the improvement in conduciton velocity being particularly significant(P lt; 0.02). which show that conduction velocity is a relatively sensitive testing parameter. Electrophysiological examination plays a monitoring role during cubital tunnel syndrome decompression.
Objective To investigate the blood supply of the ulnar nerve in the elbow region and to design the procedure of anterior transposition of ulnar nerve accompanied with arteries for cubital tunnel syndrome.Methods The vascularity of the ulnar nerve was observed and measured in20adult cadaver upper limb specimens. And the clinical surgical procedure was imitated in 3 adult cadaver upper limb specimens. Results There were three major arteries to supply the ulnar nerve at the elbow region: the superior ulnar collateral artery, the inferior ulnar collateral artery and the posterior ulnar recurrent artery. The distances from arterial origin to the medial epicondyle were 14.2±0.9, 4.2±0.6 and 4.8±1.1 cm respectively. And the total length of the vessels travelling alone with the ulnar nerve were 15.0±1.3,5.1±0.3 and 5.6±0.9 cm. The external diameter of the arteries at the beginning spot were 1.5±0.5, 1.2±0.3 and 1.4±0.5 mm respectively. The perpendicular distance of the three arteries were 1.2±0.5,2.7±0.9 and 1.3±0.5 cm respectively.Conclusion It is feasible to perform anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve accompanied with arteries for cubital tunnel syndrome. And the procedure preserves the blood supply of the ulnar nerve following transposition.
Objective To produce anatomical theory evidence for treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome with anterior submuscular transposition.Methods Of 32 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome, there were 22 males and 10 females, aged 17-73 years. The distribution of the branches of superior ulnar collateral arteryand the relationship between superior ulnar collateral artery and ulnar nerve were observed; the position, scope and diameter of ulnar nerve lesion were also observed; the volume of new cubit tunnel was measured with dilator. Twenty cubituses of adult cadavers were made the models of anterior subcutaneous transposition and anterior submuscular transposition of ulnar nerve. Length changes of ulnar nerve in different situations were observed.Results Superior ulnar collateral artery could be transposed with ulnar nerve, and new cubit tunnel was wide enough to contain ulnar nerve. In the context of anterior subcutaneous transposition, the ulnar nerve was lengthened by 7.55%±0.52% when compared with that of preoperation in the case of elbow extension, there was significant difference (P＜0.05). In the context of anterior submuscular transposition, there was nosignificant difference in length of the ulnar nerves between preoperation and postoperation(P＞0.05).Conclusion Anterior submuscular transposition can overcome compression and pull of elbow on the ulnar nerve and has sufficient blood supply. New cubital tunnel is wide enough to contain ulnar nerve. Ulnar nerve anterior submuscular transposition is a useful method in treating cubital tunnel syndrome.
Objective To investigate the characteristics of the clinical application of ulnar artery flap in the repair of oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects. Methods The clinical data of 12 patients with oral and maxillofacial defects repaired with ulnar artery flap between June 2021 and July 2023 was retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 11 cases were male and 1 case was female; their ages ranged from 28 to 76 years, with a mean age of 54.8 years. The lesions were located in the lateral margin of the tongue in 3 cases, the root of the tongue in 2 cases, the base of the tongue in 4 cases, and the buccal region, upper gingiva, and lower lip in 1 case each. The pathological types were squamous cell carcinoma in 11 cases and adenoid cystic carcinoma in 1 case; according to the TNM staging of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC), there were 5 cases of T3N0M0, 2 cases of T3N1M0, 1 case of T4aN0M0, 1 case of T4aN1M0, 1 case of T4aN2bM0, and 2 cases of T4aN2cM0. After complete resection of the lesion, the defect ranged from 6 cm×3 cm to 8 cm×5 cm. Preoperatively, colour Doppler ultrasound was used to detect the non-dominant forearm, measure the thickness of the subcutaneous fat in the donor area, confirm and mark the ulnar artery and reflux vein, and measure the diameter of the vessels, flow velocity, and the perforator position; intraoperatively, the flap was designed, prepared, anastomosed, and positioned according to the corresponding data. The vessels were all anastommosed with one artery and two veins to form a super-reflux. After complete hemostasis, the defects were repaired with sliding flap (2 cases), direct suture (4 cases), biomembrane (2 cases), or razor thin skin graft (4 cases). Results No vascular crisis occurred after operation, and all the flaps survived in 12 cases. Wounds in the donor site healed by first intention in 10 cases and by second intention in 2 cases. Wounds in the recipient site healed by first intention in all cases. All 12 patients were followed up 5-18 months, with an average of 11.4 months. The colour and texture of the flap were normal. The function of hand and upper limb was evaluated according to the trial standard of upper limb function assessment of the Chinese Society of Hand Surgery of the Chinese Medical Association, and the score was 65-81 (mean, 71.3), and achieved excellent in 1 case and good in 11 cases. The score of Oral Health Impact Scale (OHIP) was 9-18, with an average of 14.2, and the oral function was satisfactory. During the follow-up, 1 case had local recurrence and underwent extended resection again, while the other patients had no recurrence or metastasis. Conclusion For moderate soft tissue defects with complex oral and maxillofacial function, ulnar artery flap repair is effective.
Objective To evaluate the effect of associated ulnar styloid fracture on wrist function after distal radius fracture by comparing the cl inical data between the cases of distal radius fracture with or without ulnar styloid fractures. Methods The cl inical data of 182 patients with distal radius fracture between February 2005 and May 2010 were retrospectively analyzed, including 75 with ulnar styloid fracture (group A), and 107 without ulnar styloid fracture (group B). There was no significant difference in sex, age, disease duration, and fracture classification between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). In groups A and B, closed reduction and spl intlet or cast fixation were performed in 42 and 63 cases respectively, and openreduction and internal fixation in 33 and 44 cases respectively. All ulnar styloid fractures were not treated. Results Thepatients were followed up 21 months on average in group A and 20 months on average in group B. All incisions healed by first intention after operation. Ulnar wrist pain occurred in 4 patients (5.3%) of group A and 6 patients (5.6%) of group B, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.063, P=0.802). The fracture heal ing time was (10.9 ± 2.7) weeks in group A and (11.6 ± 2.3) weeks in group B, showing no significant difference (t=1.880, P=0.062). There was no significant difference in the palmar tilt angle, the ulnar incl ination angle, and the radial length between groups A and B when fracture healing (P gt; 0.05). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in wrist flexion-extension, radial-ulnar deviation, pronation-supination, and grip and pinch strength between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). According to the Gartland-Werley score in groups A and B, the results were excellent in 24 and 35 cases, good in 43 and 57 cases, fair in 5 and 10 cases, and poor in 3 and 5 cases with execllent and good rate of 89.3% and 86.0%, respectively, showing no significant difference between 2 groups (Z= —0.203, P=0.839). There were significant differences in the above indexes between patients undergoing closed reduction and open reduction in group A (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Associated ulnar styloid fracture has no obvious effect on the wrist function after distal radius fracture. The anatomical reduction of distal radial fracture is the crucial importance in the treatment of distal radial fracture accompanying ulnar styloid fracture.
Objective To explore the operation procedure and effectiveness of terrible triad of the elbow joint. Methods Between October 2006 and June 2010, 11 cases of closed terrible triad of the elbow joint were treated by operation. There were 8 males and 3 females with an average age of 32 years (range, 21-53 years). The mechanism of injury was fall ing from height in 4 cases and traffic accident in 7 cases. The time from injury to admission was 30 minutes to 9 days. According to Regan-Morrey classification for fractures of the ulnar coronoid, there were 5 cases of type I, 5 cases of type II, and 1case of type III; and according to Mason classification for fractures of the radial head, there were 4 cases of type I, 5 cases of type II, and 2 cases of type III. The elbow joint range of motion (ROM) was (63 ± 9)° at flexion and extension, and the forearm ROM was (71 ± 8)° at pronation and supination. All cases underwent reduction and fixation by lateral approach combined with medial approach according to McKeeps operation process. After operation, the affected l imb was immobil ized with plaster at elbow joint flexion of 90° and in forearm neutral position, then passive physical exercises were carried out, and finally active physical exercises were done after removing plaster at 4 weeks. Results All incisions healed by first intention. Eleven cases were followed up 7-27 months (14.5 months on average). The X-ray films showed good reduction, the cl inical heal ing time was 8-19 weeks with an average of 11 weeks. Mild ectopic ossification of the elbow joint occurred in 3 cases at 6 months after operation, mild degenerative change in 1 case at 18 months after operation. At last follow-up, the elbow joint ROM was (103 ± 14)° at flexion and extension, and the forearm ROM was (122 ± 13)° at pronation and supination, showing no significant difference when compared with the values of normal elbow joint (P gt; 0.05) and significant difference when compared with the preoperative values of affected elbow joint (P lt; 0.05). According to Mayo elbow performance score, the results were excellent in 5 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 1 case with an excellent and good rate of 90.9%. Conclusion The surgical treatment of terrible triad of the elbow joint can restore sufficiently elbow stabil ity, allow early motion postoperatively, and enhance the functional outcome.
Objective To investigate the methods and outcome of endoscopic ulnar neurolysis and minimal medial epicondylectomy in treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome with ulnar nerve subluxation. Methods Between June 2004 and June 2009, 11 cases of cubital tunnel syndrome with ulnar nerve subluxation were treated with endoscopic ulnar neurolysis andminimal medial epicondylectomy. There were 7 males and 4 females with an average age of 36 years (range, 18-47 years). All cases had numbness in l ittle finger and ring finger. The disease duration varied from 3 to 18 months (7 months on average). Nine cases had atrophy in the first dorsal interosseous muscle and hypothenar muscles. The preoperative electromyography showed that the ulnar nerve conduction velocity (NCV) were slowed down at elbow, which was (27.0 ± 1.5) m/s. Results All incisions healed by first intention, and no compl ication occurred. Eleven cases were followed up 6-37 months (19 months on average). All cases had normal sensation after 1 month of operation. The muscle strength was obviously improved in 11 cases after 3 months postoperatively (grade 4 in 7 cases and grade 3-4 in 4 cases). The postoperative electromyography showed that the NCV was obviously improved, which was (43.5 ± 9.5) m/s, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative one (P lt; 0.05). According to Amadio’ efficacy appraisal standard, the results were excellent in 7 cases and good in 4 cases. Conclusion The method of endoscopic ulnar neurolysis and minimal medial epicondylectomy has the advantages of safety, convenient manipulation, small incision, and early recovery for cubital tunnel syndrome with ulnar nerve subluxation.
ObjectiveTo investigate the advantages and effectiveness of anterior neurovascular interval approach for fixation of ulna coronoid process fracture. MethodsBetween February 2011 and April 2015, 8 patients with ulna coronoid process fracture were treated with open reduction and internal fixation by anterior neurovascular interval approach. There were 5 males and 3 females, aged from 14 to 62 years (mean, 34 years). Fractures were caused by falling in 5 cases, traffic accident in 2 cases, and crashing in 1 case. The time between injury and operation was 1-6 days (mean, 3.5 days). According to Adams classification, there were 4 cases of type II, 1 case of type III, 2 cases of type IV, and 1 case of type V. In 1 patient with joint instability, lateral collateral ligament repair was given through another incision after fixation of coroniod fracture and the hinged external fixator, and plast splin was used to fix in the other patients; function exercise was done after removal of external fixtion. ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention, and no complications of neurovascular injury and deep infection occurred. All patients were followed up 6-48 months (mean, 22 months). The healing time of fracture was 8-15 weeks (mean, 12.6 weeks). Mild myositis ossificans occurred in 1 case. The flexionextension arc of the elbow was (125.00±7.07)° and the forearm rotation was (135.00±7.07)°, showing no significant difference when compared with those of normal side[(126.88±7.53)° and (139.38±8.21)°] (t=0.469, P=0.654; t=2.198, P=0.054). According to Morrey's scale, the results were excellent in 6 cases, good in 2 cases; the excellent and good rate was 100%. ConclusionAnterior neurovascular interval approach for reduction and internal fixation of ulna coroniod fractures has the advantages of simple operation, less trauma, and larger operative field. It can be used alone or combined with other surgical approaches.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of anterior subcutaneous transposition and anterior submuscular transposition of the ulnar nerve in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. Methods Between June 2006 and October 2008, 39 patients with cubital tunnel syndrome were treated separately by anterior subcutaneous transposition (anterior subcutaneous transposition group, n=20) and anterior submuscular transposition (anterior submuscular transposition group, n=19). There was no significant difference in gender, age, duration, and cl inical classification between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Results All incisions healed by first intention in 2 groups. In anterior submuscular transposition group, 17 patients (89.5%) had abruptly deteriorated symptoms after the symptom of ulnar nerve compression was abated, and 1 patient (5.3%) had cicatrix at elbow; in the anterior subcutaneous transposition group, 10 patients (50.0%) had disesthesia at cubital anterointernal skin after operation; and there was significant difference in the complication between 2 groups (χ2=9.632, P=0.002). The patients were followed up 24 to 36 months, 28 months on average. There was no significant difference in grip strength, pinch power of thumb-to-ring finger and thumb-to-little finger, or two-point discrimination of distal l ittle fingers between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05), but significant differences were found between before operation and after operation in 2 groups (P lt; 0.05). According to the Chinese Medical Society of Hand Surgery Trial upper part of the standard evaluation function assessment, the results were excellent in 5 cases, good in 12 cases, fair in 1 case, and poor in 2 cases in the anterior subcutaneous transposition group; the results were excellent in 6 cases, good in 10 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case in the anterior submuscular transposition group; and there was no significant difference between 2 groups (u=0.346, P=0.734). According to disabil ity of arm-shoulder-hand (DASH) questionnaires, the score was 22 ± 7 in anterior subcutaneous transposition group and was 19 ± 6 in anterior submuscular transposition group, showing no significant difference (t=1.434, P=0.161). Conclusion Both anterior subcutaneous transposition and anterior submuscular transposition have good effectiveness in treating cubital tunnel syndrome; and anterior submuscular transposition has less complication than that of submuscular transposition.
ObjectiveTo explore the surgical method and its clinical efficacy for complicated proximal ulnar fracture. MethodsFrom February 2006 to July 2014, 22 patients with complicated proximal ulnar fracture were treated by open reduction with internal fixation. There were 17 males and 5 females with an average age of 32 years. According to AO classification, there were 4 cases of type C1, 13 of type C2, and 5 of type C3. Among the, there were 4 cases combined with posterior elbow dislocation, 2 cases combined with anterior elbow dislocation, and there were 2 Monteggia Ⅳ cases. Nineteen cases were close fractures, and the other 3 were open fractures. Nerve and vessel injury was not found in all cases. The time before operation was 7 to 12 days, with an average of 8 days. All patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Mayo standard for evaluation of elbow joint was used to evaluate the therapeutic effect after operation. ResultsAll the patients were followed up from 8 to 18 months, with an average of 14 months. All fractures were completely healed. The healing time ranged from 12 to 30 weeks averaging 16 weeks. No failure of internal fixation occurred; no elbow anchyloses or instability occurred. The range of motion of elbow joint was between 120° and 140°, with an average of 135°. Mayo elbow score showed that 16 cases were excellent, 4 good, and 2 fair with an excellent and good rate of 90.9%. ConclusionEarly surgical treatment and rehabilitative training can facilitate satisfactory effects on complicated proximal ulnar fracture.